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Finding a preschool may seem stressful, but when you focus on the right things, you can find the perfect place. Photo: iStock
We were running errands when one of my teenagers shouted and pointed, “Look! It’s our old preschool!” Soon, my other two teens were chiming in, “I loved it there!” and “That was my favorite school. Do you remember when…” And just like that, we were walking down a memory lane of craft projects, field trips and even that time when the teacher helped with a loose tooth that just wouldn’t budge.
It made me happy that my kids remembered their days there as fondly as I did. Finding a preschool may seem stressful, but when you focus on the right things, you can find the perfect place for you and your kids.
Why now is the time to look
While it may seem early, now is the perfect time to look for the best preschool for your family. Schools are still in session, so you can visit and see things in action. Visiting a school when there are kids there, and activities going on, is far better than when it is empty. This allows you to see class sizes, how teachers interact with students and the way the school operates on a daily basis.
Parents are often surprised at how early preschool slots fill up. If you want to avoid falling in love with a school just to be put on a wait list, now is the time to explore your options. Starting early also gives you the opportunity to see a variety of schools, including different preschool models.
1. Talk to kids. At the park, at the library, at your friend’s house. Find out what the kids loved doing on a given day or their favorite thing about preschool. Ask to see their latest project. Most kids will be thrilled to share their expertise. You can learn a lot from kids if you pay attention.
2. Talk to parents. See what schools they love and why. Find out if they are friends with other families there. Ask about the teachers who make it great. The most important thing is to talk to real people. Don’t rely on social media for accurate information.
3. Consider the schedule. Does the school have a schedule that works for your family? The days and hours must align with your family schedule, but also with your child’s preferences. There are schools with two-day-a-week programs and schools that meet five days a week. Some meet for two hours while others meet for the whole day. Think about what you and your child would benefit from.
4. Ask about educational philosophy. Every school has a unique approach. Some schools focus heavily on academics, while others focus on social skills. Some schools stress nature-based learning while others focus on the arts. Don’t get caught up in what these approaches are called, but think about your child and how their interests line up with what the school offers.
5. Talk money. The cost must work for your family. Consider tuition costs as well as extras like fundraisers, field trips and parties. Be bold about asking these questions before you choose a school, so you are not stressed later about unexpected expenses. Finding a school that your family can afford will create a less stressful environment for you and your child.
6. Find out about parent involvement. Ask how much parents are expected to be involved and make sure it is something you are comfortable with. Some schools ask parents to volunteer regularly during the school day, while others only invite parents for holiday and year-end programs. Extras like fundraising or events can also be a requirement. Find out what is expected so you know if you can participate at that level.
7. Ask to observe. See if there is a good time for you and your child to visit during the school day. Watching the school in action is one of the best ways to discover if it will be a good fit. Chat with some parents at drop-off or pickup. Observe the kids as they work together. All of it fits together to create the atmosphere where your child will learn.
Finding the perfect preschool doesn’t have to be stressful. Be realistic about your family’s needs and how they match up with the school. With these simple tips, you can discover a learning environment that will be perfect for your child.
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